Caborca adn IndieSpace Launch Initiative to Support Theater Workers’ Health Insurance
Caborca and IndieSpace have partnered to launch the One More Equity Health Week Players (OMEHWP), a play reading series designed to help actors and stage managers secure vital health insurance coverage. This initiative addresses a common challenge within the performing arts industry: gaps in coverage due to the unpredictable nature of work.
Addressing a Critical Need
Performing arts workers frequently enough rely on the Equity-League Benefit Funds for health insurance, which requires a specific number of contracted work weeks within a year. However,the inconsistent work flow in theatre can leave individuals just short of qualifying for the next six months of coverage. The OMEHWP program directly tackles this issue.
“Helping stage managers and actors just shy of eligibility qualify for coverage through the Equity-League Health Fund—one of the strongest health plans in the country—is, I hope, a small but meaningful way to care for our collaborators and the larger theatre community.” – erin koster, Caborca founding member and program conceiver.
how the Program Works
IndieSpace awarded Caborca a $5,000 grant to fund the reading series. Caborca issued an open call for participation, and the first cycle, taking place in January 2026, is currently full. Planning is underway for a February cycle. The program provides opportunities for actors and stage managers to accrue the necessary work weeks to maintain their health insurance benefits.
A Collaborative Effort
The partnership between Caborca and indiespace highlights a commitment to supporting the theatre community. IndieSpace’s mission is to address systemic inequities in NYC real estate and support artists’ needs, making the OMEHWP program a natural fit.
“Supporting OMEHWP is a no-brainer — this model has real potential as a scalable short-term strategy while we work collectively toward a lasting solution to address the health care crisis in this country.” – Randi Berry, IndieSpace executive director.
About the Organizations
- Caborca: A bilingual ensemble founded in 2009, Caborca creates work at the intersection of Latine and experimental theatre, focusing on themes of corrupt and colonial power.
- IndieSpace: Established in 2016, IndieSpace works to disrupt displacement of small theatres and promote equitable funding for the indie theatre community. It merged with Indie Theatre Fund in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- The One More Equity health Week Players program provides a solution to a common problem for theatre professionals: gaps in health insurance coverage.
- The initiative is funded by a grant from IndieSpace and organized by Caborca.
- The program offers valuable work opportunities for Actors’ Equity Association members who are close to qualifying for continued health benefits.
- This collaboration demonstrates a commitment to supporting the well-being of artists in the theatre community.
The OMEHWP program represents a proactive and innovative approach to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by theatre workers. As the program expands and perhaps serves as a model for other communities, it underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for the performing arts.
